Observatory

NIU Observatory

One of the best-kept secrets at NIU is the Davis Hall observatory, which overlooks the East Lagoon.

The primary goal of the Observatory is to serve as an educational resource for NIU students and the northern Illinois community. The public is invited to visit the Observatory for telescope viewing whenever NIU is in session. Viewing is free and the public is welcome. You can also check out the video produced by the Northern Star.

Some photos taken at the Observatory:

Jupiter in color, close up:

Jupiter with moons:

Orion nebula:

Saturn:

Sea of Tranquility on the Moon (site of first moon landing):

The Transit of Venus

On Tuesday, June 5, the NIU Observatory observed an extremely rare astronomical event, a transit of Venus. This means that the planet Venus was observed crossing the face of the Sun:

Observatory Hours and Location

The observatory will be open from dark to 11 pm Thursday and/or Friday. Please check the status of the observatory with our Observatory Manager (see below) prior to your visit to the observatory.

If you are interested in a group tour outside of these nights, please email to our Observatory Manager.

The Observatory is located at:

Davis Hall Room 703
Normal & Locust Rds.
DeKalb, IL 60115

Davis Hall is on Normal Rd., about one block north of Lincoln Highway. After 7:00 p.m. parking is available in the parking garage located kitty-corner from Davis Hall.

Take the Davis Hall elevator up to the 5th floor, go left to the end of the hallway, go right to the end of hallway and through the door, where you will find a staircase. Follow the signs up the staircase to Room 703.